Congressman Cohen Introduces Bipartisan Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trial Feasibility Study Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) has introduced the bipartisan Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act, which would authorize a study to designate a 287-mile trail linking Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina as a National Scenic Trail. A companion measure was introduced in the Senate by Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia. The trail which crosses mountains and valleys and passes alongside streams and waterfalls is on federal land for 95 percent of its length and would be administered by the U.S. Forest Service.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“The Benton MacKaye Trail provides leisurely walkers and serious hikers a natural wonderland of bucolic hills, valleys, trees, wildlife and natural beauty. I’m proud to be joined by Senators Warnock and Thom Tillis, Representative Chuck Fleischmann, whose district is traversed by the trail, and other members of the Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina delegations in this effort to expand our nation’s portfolio of scenic trails.”

Senator Warnock made the following statement:

“More than simply initiating a new federal walking path through our natural environment, this bill is an investment in our nation’s forests and green spaces, a bridge connecting communities, and a powerful catalyst for our rural economies. By preserving the natural beauty of our landscapes, we help protect the planet for future generations to enjoy. I am proud to work with Senator Tillis on this bipartisan legislation and look forward to getting it done.”

Congressman Fleischmann made the following statement:

“I am pleased to work with Congressman Cohen in the House and Senators Warnock and Tillis to lead the bipartisan, bicameral effort to designate the beautiful Benton MacKaye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The Benton MacKaye Trail is an invaluable part of my district in East Tennessee that thousands of Tennesseans and Americans hike each year, and the trail connects some of the most beautiful and pristine parts of Tennessee with Georgia and North Carolina. The Benton MacKaye Trail deserves to be given a National Scenic Trail designation, and I hope Congress acts quickly to pass this bill and send it to the president for his signature.”

Bob Cowdrick, President of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, made the following statement:

“The Benton MacKaye Trail provides an exceptional opportunity for tens of thousands of people to get outdoors every year and experience the stunning beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. This legislation is a critical step forward in protecting our outdoor heritage for future generations, supporting local economies, and providing needed recreational opportunities for long-distance hikers and families. It would accomplish all this with no added cost to taxpayers. We are grateful to Congressman Cohen and Congressman Fleischmann for their work to protect this trail which is special to so many people.”

The measure would authorize a feasibility study on the designation of the Benton MacKaye Trail as a National Scenic Trail intended to showcase the nation’s spectacular natural resources and beauty, and provide recreational opportunities.

Representatives Scott DesJarlais (TN-4), Lucy McBath (GA-7), Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and Nikema Williams (GA-5) are also original sponsors of the bill.

The National Scenic Trail (NST) designation was authorized by Congress in 1968. Only eleven trails to date have received the prestigious NST status – the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail were the first. It has been more than 13 years since Congress approved the last NST.

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